Celebrating the life of Edward Lee Stegall

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Obituary for Edward Lee Stegall

Edward Lee Stegall was born in McQueen, Oklahoma on May 16, 1931. He passed peacefully from this life on October 21, 2018 at the age of 87 years at his home in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Edward was the oldest of 6 children born to Anthony Lee and Annie Agnes Stegall. He grew up helping his father farm. At the tender age of 6, he was taught to plow behind a team of horses. And so began his love of the land.

Being the oldest of 4 brothers and 1 sister, Edward learned the meaning of responsibility at a very young age . Farm life was difficult in the 30‘s and 40’s and his parents depended on him daily to assist with the care of his siblings as well as numerous chores on the farm. That learned responsibility and leadership served him well and followed him throughout his life.As a young teen, Edward was a talented basketball and baseball player. He attended school in Gould, Oklahoma until his Senior year when he transferred to Ron High School. He graduated from Ron in 1950. His athletic ability won him a baseball scholarship offer from Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University. Instead of pursuing higher education, Edward decided to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a proud Veteran of the 45th Infantry, Company D Combat Engineer group, staying in touch with other members of his division throughout the years.

Edward had been in the military for about a year when tragedy struck his family. His father was killed in an automobile accident and , as the oldest son , he was called home to help care for his mother and 5 younger siblings.

While still in high school, Edward met and fell in love with a beautiful brown eyed girl from a rival high school. Her name was Earlene…and the rest is history. They were married on May 23, 1952. They made their home in Borger, Texas. During their almost 66 years of marriage, they made homes in Borger, Texas, Fritch, Texas, Lake Jackson, Texas and Hollis, Oklahoma where they lived until September, 2017, when heath issues caused their move to Ponca City, Oklahoma to be close to family. Although their physical address was Ponca City, their hearts remained in Hollis.

Ed’s greatest joy was his family. While his 4 children were growing up, he was coach, mentor, counselor and surrogate father to anyone those kids brought home. Those early years were filled with sports, motorcycles, music, and general all around fun. Ed coached his daughter’s softball teams for many years. Many of those team members have stayed in touch with him throughout the years and this always brought joy to his heart. Because of his love of the game, he continued to play softball himself until well into his 60’s, running circles around those half his age.

Anyone who has ever met Ed knows of his passion for a good game of dominos and 42. Growing up, most Sunday nights after church would find him telling Earlene, “Oh, by the way, I invited the Farris’s , Martins or whoever over for dominos and sandwiches”. Earlene would sigh and tell the kids, “OK kids, you know the drill”. And the kids would run into the house, pick everything up, and no one was the wiser.

Edward was a self described “Jack of all Trades”. Hardly a day went by that someone didn’t call him to ask how to fix something. He always knew the answer and there was never an engine or motor that he couldn’t repair. He had many occupations and vocations through the years. His professional life included Lab Technician with Phillips Petroleum, Maintenance Supervisor at BASF, Donut Maker extraordinaire with Ed’s Daylight Donuts, Restorer of Antique Tractors, Goat Farmer and last but not least, Minister of the Gospel.

Ed was a faithful member of the Church of Christ. His passing leaves a void in countless lives, most notably in the Philippines where he was instrumental in the creation of Stegall Farms where poor farmers in the Philippines can receive the necessary aid to improve their trade and become self sufficient.

Ed was proceeded in death by his parents, Anthony Lee and Annie Agnes; brother Donald Stegall; brother Wayne Stegall; brother James Stegall, chosen brother Charles Hill; and just 8 short months ago, by his beautiful bride, Earlene.

He is survived by his four children; daughter Becky Turner Jones and husband, Tenny of Bella Vista, Arkansas; daughter Cathy Kellison and husband Craig of Ponca City, OK; son Eddie Stegall and wife Julene of Bridge Creek, OK; son Jeff Stegall and wife Veronica of Brazoria, Texas; brother Albert Stegall of Borger, Texas, sister Mary Thomason of Hollis, OK; 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; cousins, nieces and nephews and loving friends throughout the world.

His example and faith will shine on in our hearts and the many souls he has mentored and taught over the years. Well done good and faithful servant.

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